National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1887-06-14
SENATOR vANCE's POSITION.
Not Opposed to MIR. Cleveland, But
His Administration.
TNa,u varh guo
New York Sun.l

New York SUM-
Hon. Y. b. VANCE, Black Mountain, Bun
combe county, N. C.-MY DEAR GOVERNOR;
1have for some days contemplated writing
you In regard TO the published references
to yourself since your depa rture from this
city to your mountain homo in the early
part OF March last. Several articles In the
form OF interviews have appeared In the
newspapers, with the apparent purpose OF
injuring you at home or Of damaging you
IN your relations with President Cleveland.
AS / know that you are out OF the reach OF
intervlewers and reporters, and that you
are not out OF harmony with the adminls-
tration, i am at loss to account for the
fictitious and sinister articles which are al
most continually reappearlng, commencing,
as far as / have noticed, In the st. Louis
Globe Democrat.
Such articles are commonly harmless; but
In this matter think that for your own
sake you should make some statement in
regard to these persistent and grstuitous
Misrepresentation.
inclose one Of these articles, now re-
hashed with lengthy addition. This is
the most recent alleged interview that has
come under my observation. Sincerely
yours, JAMES l.. NORRIS
WASHINGTON, d. c., May IL, 1887.
MIR. JAMES IL. NORRIS, fresluent JACKSON
Democratic Association, Washington, d.
C.-DEAR SIR: have to thank you for the
regard for my political welfare which
prompted you to write the letter which
have before me. In response thereto, l
have to cay the interview TO which you al
luje as given by the st. Louis Globe. Demo
crdt never took place. l have no earthly
recollection Of having ever been inter
viewed by O correspondent OF that paper;
T N In
guage attributed to me as used toward the
President, i cannot complain OF a misrepre-
| sentation OF my sentiments concerning his
| policy.
| am not in harmony with him IN several
important particulars, but believe 1 do har-
monize with the Democratic party, as its
| professions and practices have made its
| principles known TO me.
l have favored the double standard OF
| gold and silver without discrimination
for or against either, which the President
does not.
have favored the payment of the public
debt In the legal coin Of the United States
| according to the plain words printed on the
face OF the securities, and the President
| does not.
have favored that "honest civil service
reform" which the Democratic convention
| at Chicago, which nominated Mr.. Cleve-
land, demanded, and which the Democrats
Of the United States thought they were to
get when they voted for him; that reform
which consisted in ejectiug Republican Off
cials from the Offices they had prostituted
/ have favored the application Of the
principles Of "home rule" to the District OF
Columbia, the only DISTINGUISHED portion Of
the American people, and Difference To
their wishes In the appointment Of thelr
local officials, but the President does not.
In these important matters and some 9th.
ers not 30 important, have the misfortune
to agree with the Democratic party rather
than with the President.
But, SO far as am aware, there has been
no want OF harmony In the personal rela-
tions between him and me. have said
nothing OF him In any way unbecoming the
language which a senator should use
toward the President OF the United States
II he cannot bear, without offense, the can.
with him, he is unworthy Of his great
office. Should /, for the sake of the patron
age he has to bestow, suppress or foregc
my honest convictions, l would prove un-
worthy Of mine. At all events would de-
sire Mr.. Cleveland to know that have
made no secret of my opinions concerning
his policy at any time. do not abuse hin
for the sake ,f the meager scraps which
fall to Democrats under his Interpretation
| Of reform.
Whether or not he is Of that stamp o
soul which can honor In others those qual
tiles which he claims as the chief ornamen
OF his own character remains to be seen
Notwithstanding the numerous othe
letters besides yours which l have received
Of the same support, believe should hav
permitted the newspaper gossip to go un
noticed, but for the desire feel to correc
the Impression that there was some per
sonal disagreement or grievance between
the President and myself.
am much enjoying the rest and recrea
ton Of my summer home In the mountains
am doing no harm to anybody, and sin
cerely trust the newspapers may leave m
In peace until December. Very trul,
yours, Y. d. VANCE,
May 10, 1887.